I call it the umbrella tree because in the summertime when I stand under the tree during a shower, I stay dry. The limbs are so twisted and there are so many of them, the leaves grow so thickly and profusely, that the ancient tree is like a natural umbrella, sheltering the person beneath it. It is also home to many birds and squirrels who build their nests among its bountiful branches.
The tree is impressive any time of the year but in winter, with most of its leaves scattered to the four winds, it is bare-bones beautiful. And, seen against the backdrop of a clear blue Oklahoma sky,that towering trunk and the twisted limbs are majestic.
In the summertime, I like to think of the tree as its own country, with many towns and in those towns, a lot of different inhabitants. Squirrels, blue-jays, cardinals and robins have homes in that tree. Do they get together for visits and share ideas on nest-building or the best place to find the tastiest worms or nuts? Or do they hide away among the covering leaves, safe from predators?
The little sparrows, though, find less impressive but sweeter-smelling homes among the honeysuckle vines beneath the tree. They get together every night and talk about their day’s happenings. Perhaps they are discussing the building habits of their high-flown neighbors in the umbrella oak.
Winter has plenty of dismal days. The umbrella tree has seen many more of them than I have but it still stands firmly rooted and lifts its limbs to meet each season. The bright spots of Thanksgiving and Christmas are past and we are left with a lot of cold, dark weeks ahead. True, life does have its bleak moments, but they too will pass and better days are on the way. It’s sixteen degrees this morning but in a few months, it’ll be springtime. I believe it has to do with a small candle of faith which may waiver but never goes out, called Hope.
The Umbrella Tree in Winter
Speak Your Mind